We understand your desire to excel in your work and to do all things with excellence as unto the Lord. The Bible encourages us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that it is from the Lord we will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24). It is good to seek to do your best, but we must also remember that our ultimate goal is to glorify God in all that we do, not merely to stand out for our own recognition.
However, we notice that your prayer does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. The Scriptures remind us that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is through Jesus that we approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Without faith in Christ, our prayers cannot be heard, for He is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. The Bible tells us that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9). There is no greater work or accomplishment than to be found in Christ.
Let us also gently remind you that while hard work is commendable, we must guard our hearts against pride or the desire for self-glorification. Jesus taught that whatever we do, we should do it quietly, not seeking the praise of men but the approval of God (Matthew 6:1-4). Proverbs 16:18 warns us that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Instead, we are called to humility, remembering that every good gift and ability comes from the Lord (James 1:17).
We encourage you to surrender your work and ambitions to God, asking Him to use your efforts for His glory. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and He will provide all that you need (Matthew 6:33). Trust that if you are faithful in the small things, He will entrust you with more (Luke 16:10).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this dear one to You, asking that You would guide their heart and mind as they seek to honor You in their work. Lord, we pray that every task they undertake would be done with excellence, not for the praise of men but for Your glory alone. Help them to remember that it is You who gives them the strength and ability to work, and may they find their satisfaction in You rather than in the recognition of others.
If this one does not yet know You through faith in Jesus Christ, we pray that You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Draw them to Yourself, Lord, and reveal to them the depth of Your love shown through the sacrifice of Your Son. May they place their trust in Jesus alone for salvation, that their prayers may be heard and their life transformed by Your grace.
We rebuke any spirit of pride or self-reliance that may seek to take root in their heart. Fill them instead with Your Spirit, that they may walk in humility and dependence on You. Teach them to rest in Your sovereignty, knowing that You see their labor and will reward them according to Your perfect will.
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.